1800 South Kolb Road • Tucson, AZ • 85710 • 520-747-1321

omosparish@omosparish.org

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TO LEARN & GROW:  This bridgehead theme from our former Pastoral Plan will be the theme introducing the pastoral vision and focus from Pope Francis’ The Joy of the Gospel more specifically to the parish. The specifics of this pastoral vision and focus will be introduced to the parish during the upcoming Lenten season. The following quotes from The Joy of the Gospel document are shared in this update so that we may learn and grow and embrace his pastoral vision and plan for the Universal Church. The quotes in italics are a kind of mirror for us to look into and ponder.

 THE PARISH IN THE EYES OF POPE FRANCIS:  In The Joy of the Gospel document published by Pope Francis a little more than a year ago, he makes the following observations on the parish.  In paragraph 28 of the document he says, “The parish is not an outdated institution; precisely because it possesses great flexibility, it can assume quite different contours depending on the openness and missionary creativity of the pastor and the community...  it continues to be “the Church living in the midst of the homes of her sons and daughters.”  Then he says, "This presumes that it really is in contact with the homes and the lives of its people, and does not become a useless structure out of touch with people or a self-absorbed group made up of a chosen few."

Pope Francis defines a parish in the following way:  “The parish,” he says, “is the presence of the church in a given territory, an environment for hearing God’s word, for growth in the Christian life, for dialogue, proclamation, charitable outreach, worship, and celebration.” He says, “In all its activities the parish encourages and trains its members to be evangelizers.  It is a community of communities, a sanctuary where the thirsty come to drink the midst of their journey and a center of constant missionary outreach.”

Then Pope Francis adds the following observation, “We must admit, though, that the call to review and renew our parishes has not yet sufficed to bring them nearer to people, to make them environments of living communion and participation, and to make them completely mission-oriented.”

In paragraph 33 Pope Francis states the following, “Pastoral ministry in a missionary key seeks to abandon the complacent attitude that says: “We have always done it this way.””  Then he says, “I invite everyone to be bold and creative in this task of rethinking the goals, structures, style and methods of evangelization in their respective communities.”

In November I had a meeting with representatives of our Parish Ministries Council, our Stewardship & Development Council, and our pastoral staff on rethinking the goals, structures, style, methods of our parish and its Pastoral Plan.  Our Pastoral Plan is being  recast around the focus of Pope Francis’ vision for the parish and his pastoral vision for the church from The Joy of the Gospel document.

I’ve raised a few questions around the preceding statements. 

Simple Survey Questions

Pope Francis & “The Joy of the Gospel” see page 3

How is OMOS doing?

1. Is Our Mother of Sorrows Parish in touch with you, the people?

If so, how? 

If not adequately in touch, explain: 

2. How does Our Mother of Sorrows Parish fit into the Pope’s vision of a parish?

In what ways might our parish not be fitting into the Pope’s vision? 

3. Is OMOS mission-oriented? How? 

4. How might OMOS be bold and creative in rethinking goals and structures, etc?

Name:

Email:

Phone:

Address

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Our Mother of Sorrows Parish

PARISH BUSINESS MANAGER

SEEKING APPLICANTS FOR PARISH BUSINESS MANAGER POSITION

Applications are now being accepted at the parish for this position.  Prospective applicants must fulfill the following basic expectations:

            At least five (5) years experience in a business and financial environment of service industry; preferably not-for profit; the minimum of BA in Business and Accounting or related field; dedication and commitment to work in a church environment; experience in handling foundation/endowment funds, financial planning, asset allocation, monitoring/management of departmental budgets; experience and ease in making oral presentations; excellent public relations skills; dedication to the responsibility and trustworthiness in managing significant cash flow; ability to produce budget, cash flow analysis upon request; knowledge of computer applications; strong skills in automated accounting systems and spreadsheet programs; demonstrated ability to work in a high pressure environment; aptitude to work with a range of individuals in service to the parish; possess a good sense of Church and a personal sense of call and commitment to its mission; oversee and manage a diverse range of responsibilities, including oversight of maintenance and administrative staff.  Interested applicants should send their resume and letter of interest by November 9th to Our Mother of Sorrows Parish, Attn:  Business Manager Position, 1800 S. Kolb Rd., Tucson, AZ  85710; drop it by the office or email it to omosparish@omosparish.org.  No phone calls please.  For more information, visit our website at www.omosparish.org.

Exemption Status: Exempt

Primary Function

The Parish Business Manager has primary responsibility for overseeing and coordinating all of the financial and business affairs of Our Mother of Sorrows Parish.  (“Parish” shall include church and school; “financial and business” shall include financial planning and management, facilities (buildings and grounds) management, personnel management, risk management and insurance, office administration, and legal matters.)  The position supervises the Parish finance, maintenance, and office administration staff.  The Parish Business Manager directs these efforts with technical and legal expertise within the framework of shared ministry in Christian and Catholic values.

Accountability

The Parish Business Manager is directly accountable to the Pastor of Our Mother of Sorrows Parish.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Ministry and Leadership

Performs as a lay minister at the parish level in support of the parish and the diocese’s spiritual and pastoral      mission; performs as both a spiritual and administrative leader in the parish

Financial Management

1. Budgeting and Planning

1.       Develop and administer total parish budget in consultation with the Pastor, commission/department heads, and Parish Finance Council.  Present the budget to the Parish Ministries Council for endorsement.

2.       Develop long-range plan for finances, replacement of equipment, and personnel.

3.       Monitor financial data and its impact on parish business and/or finances; make recommendations to the Pastor, appropriate staff/department heads, and relevant committees/commissions.

2. Income and Expenditure Management

1.       Oversee all day-to-day financial tasks, including payroll, accounts payable and accounts receivable; authorize and pay all expenditures.

2.       Administer a cash flow management system with purchasing and payment schedules clearly defined.

3.       Monitor the collection, counting, recording and depositing of all parish revenue from all sources; maintain records of memorials and other donations.

4.       Provide planning and organizational assistance for special projects, such as Annual Catholic Appeal, Yes Lord, stewardship program, annual parish fiesta, capital fund drives, the endowment trust, all annual second collections, etc.

5.       Monitor all purchasing; authorize purchases and review purchasing practices to establish and maintain efficient procedures and control.

3. Records Management

1.       Maintain all parish business and financial records and files, including bookkeeping records and bank statements; serve as parish contact with financial institutions.

2.       Prepare regular financial statement reports; review with Pastor, Finance Committee, and commission/department heads on a regular basis.

3.       Oversee the maintaining of parish census, stewardship, and sacramental records.

       D.   Liaison with Diocese of Tucson

1.       Collect data and prepare reports for Chancery Office as needed or requested.

2.       Act as liaison with Diocesan Business Office on financial and business matters.

Development

1.       Promote charitable giving to the endowment and other special gift opportunities.

2.       With the Pastor and Board of Directors, provide development program management.

Facilities Management

1.       Oversee the Facilities Manager, Maintenance Supervisor and maintenance staff and manage major repairs or new construction.

2.       Negotiate contracts with suppliers and construction firms.  Coordinate efforts with Building and Maintenance Commission.

3.       Work with the Facilities Manager to review bids for maintenance and capital improvements; make recommendations to the Pastor and appropriate committees.

4.       Schedule all contracts and/or leases and evaluate regularly.

5.       Oversee scheduling the use of parish facilities and ensure all liability and maintenance needs are coordinated.

6.       Maintain adequate insurance coverage and handle all claims; act as liaison to Diocesan Insurance Agency.

7.       Prepare, administer and communicate a parish security policy.

8.       Collaborate with the Building and Maintenance Commission.

Personnel Management

1. Personnel Issues and Policies

1.       Maintain employee personnel files; assess staffing needs and make recommendations to the Pastor.

2.       Implement personnel policies according to diocesan regulations; work towards resolving employee-related concerns and issues in accordance with diocesan policies.

3.       Coordinate all other personnel matters under the direction of the Pastor and in collaboration with other related staff, especially with regard to the Child Abuse Policy of the Diocese.

2. Payroll

1.       Manage bi-weekly payroll, including FICA, other taxes, employee insurance plans, and pension programs.

2.       Prepare all employee-related reports.

Administrative

1.       Oversee the Office Administrative Coordinator and office staff and manage operations of parish office computer, duplicating, and other equipment.

2.       Attend to all parish legal matters, in cooperation with Diocese offices as appropriate.

3.       Serve as parish public relations representative in financial and development matters and related advertising.

4.       Fulfill other administrative duties (e.g., organizing special events) as requested or assigned in consultation with the Pastor.

5.       Meet with the Parish Finance Committee at regularly scheduled monthly meetings and at other times as needed; meet with Parish Council, staff members, and organization members as needed to communicate on business and/or financial matters.

6.       Meet with the Pastor on a regular basis for the purposes of reporting, communicating, planning, and organizing business and financial matters; fulfill other business and/or financial duties in consultation with/at the request of the Pastor.

Physical/Mental Requirements:  Requires coordination and manual dexterity, normal mental and visual ability; ability to lift as required in a normal office environment. 

Required Activities:  Walking, sitting, standing, stooping, reaching, talking, handling, hearing, carrying, keyboarding. 

Basic Qualifications

§  Must have a working knowledge of and a strong commitment to the mission of the Diocese and Catholic Church; be in full communion with the Church

§  Excellent communications skills, verbal and written; excellent human relations and interpersonal skills

§  Exercise courtesy to fellow employees, parishioners and the general public

§  Must be a self-starter; well organized; perform multiple tasks simultaneously and work with a sense of urgency

§  Ability to maintain confidentiality

§  Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment; punctuality is a must at all times; ability to travel locally as required

§  Proficiency in computer technology to include word processing, automated accounting systems, spreadsheet and Power Point presentations

§  Professional bearing; clean and neat personal appearance 

§  Ability to successfully pass a background, criminal history, and credit history check

Education and Experience

§  Bachelor's degree in business or accounting or a related field or a minimum 5 years of administrative management experience in a business and financial environment

Other

§  Preference for proven success as a first-line manager in a medium to large firm, Catholic parish or similar organization

§  Bilingual (English-Spanish) preferred

§  Non-profit experience preferred

MISSION STATEMENT    

Rooted in the spiritual tradition of the Catholic faith and called to be servant leaders as disciples of Jesus Christ, we the people of Our Mother of Sorrows Parish are sent forth to proclaim the message of the Good News of God's love for all people.

A dynamic faith community, we are sent forth to serve and grow in our faith and to share faith and love with one another.  We encourage one another in prayer, in worship, in continuing to learn and to live daily the meaning of the Christian life.

As disciples of Jesus we are called to follow Him, our servant leader in loving service, and are sent forth to love and care for one another.  As a parish we accept our call to reach out to all God's people, especially to those in need, so that the reign of God may be realized in our community, in our nation and in our world.